Appetizer Recipes

This was a common meal in German blue collar working class families. It is still very popular on buffets, and even used to become "hip" recently for people who got bored with mussels, salmon or caviar on buffets. People in old times often did not use ground meat, but ground cheap meat leftovers. This used to be pub food in the very old times in Germany as you could store it for a long time - no fridge was around at that time, only a pantry. It is perfect as a cold snack for long road trips.

Rabbit jambalaya with the Cajun holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper, bay, garlic, white and red pepper. Slow-browned for that smoky-brown jambalaya color.

Filo shrimp puffs with spiced shrimp, coconut, ginger, and turmeric wrapped in flaky filo pastry triangles and baked golden. A crispy, aromatic appetizer with Southeast Asian flair.

Sausage triangles with pork sausage, mushrooms, and Monterey Jack cheese wrapped in buttered phyllo dough and baked golden. A crispy, flaky make-ahead appetizer for parties.

Retro microwave hamburger casserole with ground beef, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, rice, soy sauce, and crunchy chow mein noodles. Classic 1970s weeknight comfort food.

Jamaican beef patties with curried ground beef filling in a flaky turmeric-tinted pastry shell. Baked golden and freezer-friendly. Makes about 30 patties for parties or meal prep.

Savory Southwest cheesecake appetizer with a tortilla chip crust, layers of seasoned cream cheese, ground beef, refried beans, and a sour cream topping loaded with fresh garnishes.

Flaky phyllo pastry wrapped around sweet-savory cabbage filling with apples, dates, and tangy mustard sour cream for an elegant vegetarian main or show-stopping side dish.

Fresh corn in a shatteringly light tempura batter, deep-fried until golden and lacy. Served with tentsuyu dipping sauce and grated daikon for a crisp Japanese-style appetizer.

Fannie Daddies are crispy, golden clam fritters, perfect as an appetizer or main dish. This classic coastal recipe combines tender clams with a light, fluffy batter, fried to perfection. Serve with tartar sauce and crusty French bread for a delightful seafood treat.

You don’t need an ice cream maker to make this, but you do need a food processor. I use a banana and a small amount of honey to sweeten the yogurt. (See the banana-only variation on this recipe below.) You can serve it like soft-serve ice cream, or let it freeze solid so that it’s more like regular frozen yogurt.

A new take on Jalapeno poppers. Cheese and green chilies stuffed inside wonton wrappers and cooked until golden.

Retro shrimp mold made with tomato soup, cream cheese, and gelatin for a spreadable party appetizer. Canned shrimp, diced vegetables, and tangy mayo create a 1960s throwback that's surprisingly good on crackers.

This delicious spread made with cheddar cheese and jalapeno peppers is a great way to spice up your sandwiches or burgers.

Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Cucumber and Tomato Gazpacho recipe

Microwave sole fillets in a creamy tarragon white wine sauce with broccoli and Parmesan. A light, elegant fish dinner ready in 30 minutes with no stovetop required.